January 22, 2013 Edmond centenarian shares secrets to longevity

Anonymous Special to The Sun The Edmond Sun Tue Jan 22, 2013, 09:59 PM CST

EDMOND Edmond resident Winnie Harmon celebrated her 100th birthday this month with 30 family members at her home at Grace Living Center Edmond. Enjoying social gatherings is one of her secrets to longevity.

Born Jan. 5, 1913, Harmon was one of 10 children and grew up on a farm east of Norman, learning social skills and a work ethic that would serve her well in life.

A career woman, Harmon worked in retail sales at Rothschilds, an upscale Oklahoma City department store. She never drove and instead took the bus to work and anywhere else beyond walking distance.

I always enjoyed helping people and sometimes wish Id become a nurse, Harmon said.

Doing volunteer work and a having a sense of humor were two other factors in Harmons long life.

Harmon said she always dressed up and took good care of herself. She never smoked or drank alcohol. She ate oatmeal for breakfast every day and still enjoys her coffee in the morning.

Never married, instead Harmon plays Auntie to many nieces and nephews. For years, she also enjoyed the company of and caring for her pet dachshund.

Now, Harmon enjoys the social life at Grace where she shares coffee klatches with her friends and attending the many parties and events at the home.

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Edmond centenarian shares secrets to longevity